Know the Warning Signs
Warning signs may be subtle and develop over a period of time. They may be confused with alcohol or drug addiction, “teenage” behaviors, or particular life events. Even if you are not sure if mental illness is involved, seek help from a professional. At a minimum, your fears will be eased.
Early Warning Signs:
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Feeling excessively sad or low
- Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
- Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs”
- Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
- Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
- Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
- Changes in sex drive
- Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations)
- Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality
- Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
- Physical ailments without obvious causes, such as stomach aches
- Thinking about suicide
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
- An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance
